Patriots mailbag: Is Justin Fields an option at quarterback?

The NFL offseason is moving quickly, and under new leadership, the Patriots will need to make a decision at quarterback soon.

The NFL scouting combine is a week away, and in three weeks, the Patriots will be allowed to speak to impending free agents. The team must have a plan on how they’ll approach their biggest need at quarterback and whether they plan to add that player via free agency, a trade or the draft, before the new NFL year begins on March 13.

Let’s dive into some potential options in this week’s mailbag.

@ZackFitzNFL
Are the Patriots around in the Justin Fields talks?

I’ve been told not to rule out anything at quarterback. If the Patriots would rather take an offensive lineman, wide receiver or a player at another position at No. 3 overall (or trade down), then making a deal with the Bears for Justin Fields seemingly would be an option.

That being said, Fields’ team needs to decide on his fifth-year option this offseason. He’s proven he can be a starter, but he’s in the lower tier among NFL quarterbacks. The Patriots need someone better than that to compete now and in the future. It seems to make more sense to swing for the fences and take Caleb Williams, Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels.

An acquiring team would take on $3.2 million by trading for Fields, so he is a bargain. He ranked 23rd among 32 quarterbacks with a -0.009 expected points added (EPA) per play. He was 21st in PFF grade, 23rd in PFF passing grade and 23rd in QBR.

Fields experienced his best season in 2023, but he’s been in the NFL for three seasons now. How much more will or can he improve?

If Fields is the option, then the Patriots would need to decide between a wide receiver like Marvin Harrison Jr. or an offensive tackle like Joe Alt at No. 3 overall. They need both, but that’s not really an option.

@Deeep_Blue
How active are patriots going to be in the free agent market? Top targets?

They pretty much have to be active in free agency. Not to get too into the nitty gritty, but the Patriots need to spend 90% of the salary cap in cash over the next three seasons. They’re only set to spend $216.2 million in cash over that span. The 2024 salary cap is projected to be $240 million. Even if the cap didn’t rise in 2025 and 2026 (it will), the Patriots are only set to spend 30% of the cap in cash from 2024 to 2026.

So, they need to spend a lot of money over the next three offseasons, and they need better talent.

I’d start with trying to bring back safety Kyle Dugger and offensive lineman Mike Onwenu. From there, I’d try to add a top-flight wide receiver.

@KleaverBlock
Watching the impact that having a 1-2 combo (Mahomes/Kelce) can have, what’s the QB/Receiver combo you’d like after the offseason?

Williams and free-agent wide receiver Tee Higgins.

But Williams seems destined to go in the top two picks, and there’s no guarantee that Higgins will make it to free agency.

Maye and someone like Mike Evans would be more realistic and would still help.

@DomDoesNFL
Do we see a Gilly Lock reunion this offseason?

That depends on what Stephon Gilmore is looking for this offseason. If he wants to win, then New England isn’t the best place to do it. If he wants to earn top dollar, then maybe the Patriots would be a good destination.

@PatsSTH1969
Thoughts on the New Pats ponying up market value + Cash for Baker and taking the draft haul that will come after the Drake Maye and Jaylen Daniels Pro Days? If no Baker take 1 of the 2?

It makes the most sense for Baker Mayfield to return to the Buccaneers.

@boston_fan73
Welcome back, Doug. There has been some talk of the Pats trading down & drafting an OT or WR. If they don’t draft a QB at 3.

What draft classes are deeper for QB, WR, and OL, this year’s class, or next year’s?

Could this push them to take a QB at 3 regardless of player?

It’s too early to assess next year’s draft, but this year’s class has three quarterbacks, three wide receivers and three offensive tackles listed in the top 15 of The Athletic’s draft prospects. It’s tough to do better than that.

All three positions are pretty deep in this year’s class, as well.

@llsoxfans
No question, just hoping you’re doing okay given the circumstances. Good to see you on the Twittersphere. My thoughts remain with your family. I appreciate you!

Thank you. Very much appreciated.

@GoldEP_
Non patriot question will you be watching the ufl

I’ll be monitoring it. Not sure how much I’ll actually be watching, however.

@RickLawsonEP
Do the o-linemen we currently have n the roster fit the new offensive scheme? Based on the new scheme would you keep Onwenu?

The team is still working through whether the coaching changes alter what they look for in offensive linemen. I would still keep Onwenu. You can find a fit for him at guard or tackle.

@Curmudgeon_Mike
With Pats looking at 2-3 years before being relevant should they trade Judon? The “D” wasn’t terrible without him. And they could use more draft capital for the rebuild!
#MailDoug

I’ve mentioned this before, but something will need to be done with Matthew Judon this offseason. The Patriots borrowed from his 2024 salary to give him a raise last offseason. So, they either need to give him a real raise this offseason, an extension or move on from him.

Judon is a team leader, and the Patriots have money to spend. The best option would be to try to make something work to keep him.